Marcellus Wiley, a former NFL player and media personality, has publicly denied allegations of domestic battery following his arrest in Florida on July 4. Wiley was booked into the Orange County Jail on a misdemeanor battery charge.
In a statement posted to his X page on Monday, Wiley expressed gratitude for the support he has received and unequivocally denied the accusations. "I completely and unequivocally deny these allegations, and I’m certain the truth will prevail," he wrote.
According to the arrest affidavit, Wiley's wife of 14 years, Annemarie Wiley, stated that the incident occurred during an argument at a Florida hotel in front of their 7-year-old daughter. She alleged that Wiley stood over her and poked her in the cheek with his finger, and at one point stated he was "going to kill her."
Police noted in the affidavit that Wiley told them he had never touched his wife and that there had never been any physical violence between them. However, Annemarie Wiley reportedly told police that he "had an unreported history of violence toward her."
Wiley, 51, stated that he cannot provide further details due to the ongoing legal nature of the matter. "As you know, I’m usually the first to break down the truth and separate facts from fiction," he said. "But because this is now a legal matter—and because my greatest responsibility is protecting my babies, who have already been impacted—I have to handle this differently. When I can speak freely, I absolutely will."
Wiley, who has three children with Annemarie Wiley, is scheduled to appear in an Orange County courtroom for arraignment on August 4. He was a defensive lineman for the San Diego Chargers during his NFL career.